Bad Experience – Review of My NIU KQi3 Sport (EU Purchase)
January 2025 – Online purchase (delivered to Portugal) From the very beginning, the real-world range was only 12–15 km in ECO mode — far below the advertised 35–40 km. First warranty claim: The official NIU service partner checked only battery capacity and returned the scooter without conducting a full range test. The issue remained unresolved. One week later: The scooter broke down completely — it wouldn’t move at all. Second warranty claim: The service center claimed that I had installed U.S. firmware and that the scooter reached 34 km/h. They offered no proof and demanded ~70% of the scooter's price to replace the motor and controller. I repeatedly requested: proof of modification and a full technical diagnostic report → None of this was provided. I never modified anything — I only used the official NIU app. June 2025 – Escalation and manufacturer reversal: In early June, the scooter was sent back to me again with status of warranty: cancelled. I responded to NIU, explaining that no proof of firmware tampering had been presented and that, unless I received formal justification, I would order an independent technical assessment and take legal action. Shortly after this message, NIU Support contacted me again — stating that my case is in fact covered under warranty, and they requested that I send the scooter back to the service center once more. Current status (24 July): Scooter sent back to the service center (again) Still not repaired Service center remains unresponsive NIU now says the repair is on hold due to lack of spare parts I have no information on where my scooter is or when it will be fixed. Reference number: lERjgihL As of 11 August, no one has contacted me, and the scooter remains in "Repair" status. I send emails and receive the same response that my case has been forwarded to management, but no repair date or meaningful update has been provided.